ACT for Today

Preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony

When a couple comes to the church inquiring about the Sacrament of matrimony, it is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen their faith and/or bring many who have fallen away back to the community.  It is an opportunity that must be engaged as an offering of Christian love, a gift of the church to those about to embark on a life long journey.

ACT For Today, the Affiliation of Catholic Therapists, endeavors to assist the parish priest in his duty to prepare couples for the Sacrament of Matrimony by conducting the PREPARE/ENRICH inventory and engaging the couple in several sessions of dialogue regarding the strengths and challenges of their relationship, advising the priest as to possible serious concerns or impediments regarding the couple’s relationship, and supporting the priest in the sacramental education of the couple.  The participation in the preparation process in no way is to be seen as a substitute for the priest’s role and function, but rather as an adjunct to more closely assess the couple’s psychological, emotional, and relational maturity, i.e. readiness for marriage.

Additionally, ACT For Today meets with each couple in a spiritual and educational dialogue regarding the Sacrament of Matrimony, its history and the beautifully rich teachings of the Church including moral issues, liturgical options, and faith formation. Fee for three to ten couple sessions conducted by a fully licensed psychotherapist  and competent religious educator and cost of the PREPARE/ENRICH inventory is covered by each couple relative to parish requirements.

Marriage Preparation Experience

ACT For Today offers an engaging and interactive experience, “Becoming One: A Journey to Marriage, A Path to Lifelong Companionship” covering each topic of concern for the diocese .  This day and a half, parish based experience culminating in a celebration of the Eucharist with the parish community is rooted in the Gospel values of marriage and adheres to the very deep and rich traditions and teachings of our Church. 

Diocese of Sacramento

At this time ACT For Today functions within the Diocese of Sacramento.  On its website the Diocese indicates several guidelines to be followed by couples seeking the Sacrament of Matrimony:
           
http://www.diocese-sacramento.org/evangelization_catechesis/marriage_prep_guidelines.html

Remember that while Act for Today is not an official functionary of the Church it seeks always to act in accordance with its teachings and local policies.  In working with couples preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony all diocesan guidelines are followed.